Colonel Charles Murray Jr., 89, who received the Medal of Honor for single-handedly stopping an attack on U.S. troops by 200 Germans during World War II, died Aug. 12 of congestive heart failure Friday at his home in Columbia, S.C. He was 89.

Murray was part of the 3rd Infantry Division that fought through France and Germany during World War II. He received the highest military award given by the U.S. government for his actions as commander of a company in the mountains of far eastern France in December 1944.

Murray was ordered to lead his men to take over a bridge and build a roadblock. But as he descended into a valley, he found German troops had pinned down an American battalion on the crest of a ridge. The Germans were protected by a sunken road, and the only way to attack was from their flanks. Instead of committing his entire patrol, Murray decided to see what he could do on his own.

Murray first ordered artillery strikes, but his radio went dead right after the first shells missed the German troops. Murray then started firing at the Germans, first with grenades, then with an automatic rifle, all while taking heavy fire. He killed 20, wounded many others and sent the enemy into such disarray that they
withdrew.

Murray captured 10 Germans in a foxhole on his own. An 11th soldier appeared to be surrendering, but threw a grenade at Murray that sent shrapnel into his legs, causing eight separate wounds. Murray waited to go to a hospital until he positioned his men and selected the location for the roadblock. He returned to his unit four days later.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Murray also earned three Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and the French Legion of Honor for valor. He went on to serve in wars in Korea and Vietnam.

After retiring from the military, Murray worked in planning for the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anne; a son; a daughter; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Another son died in 2004. Both of his sons served
in Vietnam.

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About Gary Alexander

Volunteer coordinator for veterans support network in North Texas.
Now retired from his private psychotherapy practice, I specialized in the diagnosis and treatment posttraumatic stress, working with victim assistance programs, veterans and the Veterans Administration for over 20 years.
After being wounded in action in Vietnam, I was medically retired from the Marine Corps and know first hand many of the readjustment difficulties and psychological stresses experienced by today's OIF and OEF veterans.
I am available, at minimal cost, to speak at your functions on several subjects including veterans issues, Vietnam, the Medal of Honor, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and critical incident debriefings.